Saturday, January 28, 2017

Have you ever craved something so badly that all reason was just an excuse getting in your way?

Have you needed something so desperately that you didn’t care how you got it or who you hurt in the process?

I have—and not that long ago.

Acceptance.

Acceptance… from family and friends…

Acceptance of the person I am inside and not outright rejection.

It didn’t come easily for me, and now I believe the world needs to know just how ruthless life can be. How that overwhelming yearning for acceptance can mold you into someone you don’t recognize when you look in the mirror. I’m through hiding behind one façade after another—it’s time for the world to meet the real me.

“I don’t know watcha talkin’ ’bout,” is all he says. Now, I could leave it alone and let him talk to me when he wants, but there’s no fun in that.
“Come on, Brad. Spit it out.”
He doesn’t spit it out, just keeps driving us wherever we’re going. When we leave town, I give up on talking to him. He’s impossible when he gets like this. It almost makes me wish I hadn’t started talking to him. Okay, so that’s a pretty terrible lie. My life got immensely better once I allowed Brad to take over, but when he gets like this, it is frustrating. I know what he’s upset about. Just want the thunder to be over so we can get back to the sunshine and rainbows.
After two hours of driving in silence, we finally make a stop at a funky looking shop with a day glow sign that reads, “I tell your past, present, future.” I glance over to Brad, a little worried. He brought me to a freakin’ fortuneteller. I hope he knows they are a bunch of con artists.
“I use ta come here for advice.” He finally says something to me. It’s not what I want to hear. This is ridiculous. But I don’t tell him that. “I think ya need some advice ’bout life.”
“Not from a con artist.”
“She’s not a con artist. Madame Mercy is different. She sees into ya soul. And she doesn’t charge.”
Ha!
Madame Mercy? There’s no way I will ever talk to someone named Madame Mercy. She sounds like the Wicked Witch of the West. And a fortuneteller who doesn’t charge has to be up to something. She’s probably worse than the ones that do. Either way, there is no way I’m stepping foot into this overly hippied out acid house. I sit back in the seat, which I swear has other life forms growing on it, and cross my arms. If he wants me to go inside that whacko’s shop, he’s gonna have to drag me inside, kicking and screaming. I’m not goin’.
“Take me home,” I demand.
“No, Anna. Ya goin’. I’m tired of watchin’ ya destroy ya life. You’re better than dat.”
“This isn’t ’bout life. This is about Kaz and everyone else.”
“If by everyone else, you mean Nick.”
My face heats up at the mention of Nick. I shouldn’t be attracted to a married man. I know the consequences of wanting a married man. Besides the obvious, he’s a teacher and I’m only fifteen, being attracted to him will only derail my progress with Kaz. What I don’t understand is why Brad cares so much. He’s been getting on to me nonstop about older guys. Women are allowed to be attracted to older guys. Where is it written that is some taboo thing? I know I can’t do anything, not that I want to. I’m not ready for that. But there is nothing wrong with being friends. I want friends. I need friends. And they give me that.
“There’s something ’bout ya that makes a good guy give into temptation.”

Author Bio:

T. Marie Alexander lives in Arkansas. She can be found sitting at a computer on any given day, usually writing or looking up something to do with fashion. When she is not doing either of those things, she’s reading on her Kindle or binge watching Roswell on Netflix time and time again. She shares her apartment with her husband and some annoying ghost that like to take her belongings. Her dream of becoming an author started around the age of seven when she would glue small pages together and write about her favorite thing at the time, boy band crushes. T. Marie writes Young Adult Science Fiction and Paranormal Fiction.

During the golden age of Austin,
Texas, women came from miles around to mix fantasy with flesh at Iron Rods
strip club. But time moved on, leaving the club in disrepair and the dancers in
sorry shape. Bennett Truitt, estranged son of the club’s aging and half-crazy
owner, wants to replace the local landmark with shiny new condos against his
father’s wishes. His Trojan horse is feisty Tatum Reynolds, his new hire as
manager of the failing establishment. He’s sure she’s the train wreck he needs
to run the business into its grave, but never underestimate the stubborn
determination of a down-on-her-luck Texas woman.

After another rejection letter,
Tatum stares fate in the eye and realizes she’ll never be a professional dancer
on or off Broadway. Out of options, she accepts Bennett’s job offer to manage
the strip club and is determined to return the run-down Iron Rods to its glory
days, no matter what or who stands in her way – even if it means going
toe-to-toe with the boss’ son.

“Are you the
manager here?” she asked, making her way down to the end of the bar.

He punched the
end of the pen he held and tossed it onto an open file. “I guess you can say I
am. Is there a problem?”

His tone sounded
a little too bored for her liking. He might not be hard to look at, but he had
pompous ass written all over him. “As a matter of fact there is. Have you taken
a good look at this place lately? It’s a dump. The lighting sucks, the dancers
aren’t good-looking and couldn’t dance to save their souls, and the bartender
is serving lousy drinks.”

He tilted his
head. “You don’t say.”

His prissy,
holier-than-thou attitude provided just the spark she needed to stay ignited.
“Yes, I do say. You should be ashamed of yourself and this place. It’s the
worst club in Austin.”

“And yet you’re
here.”

“I—” Tatum
started, but faltered in the wake of his unexpected retort. She blinked several
times, too flustered to speak. Weren’t managers supposed to be nice to their
customers? Even rich, snobby managers?

The stranger
stood and Tatum’s gaze continued up until her head tilted back. Powerfully
built, he not only stood several inches taller than her, he dominated the space
around her. Though he might not be as humongous as the bartender, he radiated a
fierce but intelligent intensity that commanded her attention. Here was a man
used to getting what he wanted.

“You think
someone else can do better?” he asked.

Her mouth
watered as she watched the play of muscles behind his snug shirtsleeves and
listened to the deep voice that poured over her like warm molasses. Good Lord,
the man was virile.

Not permitting
herself to be influenced by intimidation or lust, she raised her chin and said
the first thing that came to her mind. “I think a drunk monkey could do
better.”

“You looking for
a job?”

About
the Author:

Brenna hails from the Lone Star
state where she lives with her husband and four dogs, three of which are as big
as long horns. She’s a fun-loving writer
who likes nothing better than to explore while she travels (no planned
excursions, please!), eat what others cook (it works out better for everyone
that way), and avoid the gym whenever possible.

Her journey through life has
taken her all over the United States, as well as many places throughout the
world. Using her travel experience as a guide and peppering in interesting
characters she’s met along the way, she loves nothing better than weaving tales
of romance and leaving readers yearning for adventures of their own.

Thursday, January 26, 2017

This is a standalone, historical/paranormal romance. Its mature themes – violence, religious war, and pagan rituals – might not be appropriate for audiences under 18.
When ancient gods ruled and Druids kept Faith alive, the Celts thrived as a democratic, matriarchal society. Then savage Roman soldiers swept across Europe, killing and enslaving. The Celts did not succumb without a fight. Their Old Ways survived centuries of ruthless domain until another menace loomed: a tortured god worshiped in cold stone buildings. The sacred shores of Avalon began to drift away, the mists threatened to hide the island from mortal eyes forever.
Against the bleak backdrop of war, the gorgeous Scottish Highlands stood tall, sheltering its inhabitants from greedy invaders. Yet the reach of the eagle banners was long and the highlanders turned to the Goddess for protection. However, the sacred groves felt silent and grim as Avalon faded away. Once sad, pealing bells began to sound strangely comforting while the high walls of monasteries offered an alluring barrier from violence. Caught in the middle of this centuries-old war, a young High Priestess might be Avalon’s last chance.
Wise beyond her years and powerful like no other Priestess in her lifetime, Rowen had served the Goddess faithfully, forsaking her family and the company of her soulmate. When the Lady of the Lake asks for another sacrifice, it might be one too many for her scarred heart. How could she obey the Goddess without betraying Caddaric? Could she trust Eochaid, who embodied everything she despised and hated? Would she be able to fulfill her duties without losing her soul?
Caddaric had been Rowen’s companion in countless lives; but, now, they existed in different realms. Beautiful Rowen lived in the mortal world while sweet Caddaric remained in the sacred isle of Avalon, watching over her. Could he step aside to allow another man – a flesh and blood man – to become her protector?
Eochaid had sworn to protect the Old Ways. The rude warrior never quite understood his faith yet his loyal heart belonged to the Goddess. A gorgeous, fiery High Priestess was not in his plans. He would risk his life to protect Rowen; but, would the Goddess safeguard his heart? Could he defend the bewitching maiden from himself?
When stakes were so high that a simple mistake could cost their very world, a priestess, a Druid, and a warrior must learn to trust each other and the mysterious ways of the Goddess. Their success would save Avalon. Their failure would tear the island from the human realm forever, condemning it to oblivion.
Failure was not an option.

Rowen
Although my heart is heavy and my thoughts are gloomy, I take a deep breath and focus on the task at hand. I search for the sacred oak, the oldest tree in the grove. Finding it, I lie on the ground, face down, in front of the revered tree. Earth’s energy radiates from the ground, traveling through my body and limbs, filling me with a potent magnetism, and making my skin tingle as I say my prayer.

“Forgive me, Great Mother. I have failed you yet again. I am your vessel on this realm and as such I should never doubt your ways. Nevertheless, when the time came for Caddaric to go back to Avalon, I despaired and fought against the inevitable, as I always do.
Please, give me strength to control my weak heart, wisdom to understand your signs, and courage to do your bidding.”
The wind picks up around me making the dry leaves and little twigs swirl. Faint whispers come in the breeze. A thousand gentle fingers move over my body caressing, soothing me.
“Oh, Mother, you are too kind and never abandon me. I promise to serve you faithfully and perform my duties accordingly from now on.”
The wind blows stronger, molding my clothes to my body, covering me in dry leaves. I feel faint and when I open my eyes, I’m not in the sacred grove any longer. I’m lying on a sunny field, there’s a gentle breeze blowing from the distant line of apple trees, bringing the sweet smell of their flowers in full bloom. Recognizing my beloved isle of Avalon, I get up and look around. I see the Lady of the Lake standing just a few feet away. I go to her and offer a curtsy. The Lady gently holds me by my shoulders, smiles serenely and holds my gaze. Not for the first time, I wonder if her eyes can read my soul.
“Rise, Rowen, my child. And do not cry. You should rejoice over your successes instead of mourning what you perceive as failures. Your apprentices look up to you and seek your guidance, because your advice is wise and respectful. The villagers worship the Great Mother according to the old traditions, because they follow your firm yet kind leadership. Despite being so young, my beautiful Rowen, you are wise and your people respect you.”
I am touched by her words. I never expected the Lady of the Lake herself would answer my prayer and come talk to me, comfort me.
“You are too kind, my lady. I am honored and, although I think I do not deserve your comfort, I am thankful.”
“I speak only the truth, Rowen, as all true servants of the Goddess shall do. Now, you will not like what I need to tell you. You have always been loyal to your vows and I count on that loyalty to see you through the task I need you to undertake.”
“You frighten me, my lady. What do you need from me? You know I would never deny you, or the Great Mother, anything.”

Author Bio:

International best-selling author Liz Gavin, has accomplished much in her short career. Her books have made to #1 and Top Five best-selling ranks in her home country Brazil and others as diverse as Japan, the UK and the US; both in English and Portuguese, collecting 5 and 4-star reviews. Nominated for a Summer Indie Book Award in 2016, and again in 2017, this RWA member constantly seeks new opportunities to improve her craft.
This thirst for knowledge propelled Liz to leave the comforts of family and friends in Brazil and move to California to pursue a Master’s degree in late 2015. She lives in sunny SoCal, where she’s researching the writing process, for her thesis, in hopes to figure out why she creates in English instead of her native Portuguese.
Liz Gavin writes in contemporary, paranormal, and historical genres. In her sexy stories, one finds smart, independent women, who don’t need rescuing by knights in shining armor, but indulge in steamy action with swoony Alpha males with big hearts. She also writes about women discovering their sexuality and finding happiness in unconventional setups.

Lauren refuses to believe that
her sisters traveled back in time to tenth-century Scandinavia. Cybil must be
off doing one thing or another. And what of Samantha? She returned then
vanished again with a bunch of uncivilized ruffians who called themselves
Vikings. While thankful the crude men finally left, she’s now caught in an
unusual situation. No matter how hard she tries, she cannot step foot outside
her Winter Harbor chalet.

Desperate to return to the
twenty-first century and figure out why he and Lauren were cursed by a
Nidstang, Tait Sigdir struggles with what feels like half a soul. But that’s
not all. When he finally returns to the future, he realizes how troubling
things really are. Though drawn to Shannon, he can’t seem to stay away from her
sister, Lauren. Hard to believe considering how difficult she is to be around.
Even for a flirt like him. Yet if he’s not near her, he becomes
uncharacteristically sullen.

Caught in an unraveling hex that
steers them closer to the enemy, Tait and Lauren are forced on an adventure
that tests them in more ways than one. Friendship emerges. Passion ignites.
Even so, love does not come so easily to those who are cursed. As it turns out,
they must get through a whirlwind of unfortunate events that will either bring
them together or drive them further apart.

She frowned as
he filled a mug with what appeared to be ale.
“What are you doing?”

He gave the mug
a pointed look. “Drinking.”

“Then please do
so outside.”

“But this is my
lodge.”

“Then I will
need another lodge.”

“No.” Tait shook
his head. “I can only be so far away from you and will sleep nowhere but here.”

Her eyes
widened. “We are not sleeping in the same room.”

“We will if we
have to.” He gestured at the tub again. “Right now you do not need to worry
about sleeping but bathing.”

Lauren inhaled
deeply and remained calm. “As much as you would probably enjoy it, I am not
bathing with you here.”

“Well, I am not
leaving because whether or not I saw anyone enter, I heard a man in here. So I
will not leave you alone.” He considered her before he murmured something and a
tall screen appeared in front of the tub. “There. Now I will not be tempted by
you, woman.” He removed his fur, plunked down and narrowed his eyes at her when
she narrowed her eyes on him. “Now I can focus my thoughts on Shannon.”

Lauren ignored
her strong reaction to his words and smoothed her expression. Regardless, there
was no controlling the flare of defiance that screamed inside her. A defiance
that had her doing the last thing she intended. Something she found extremely
appalling and would never normally do. Something she would judge harshly if she
saw another woman do it. Especially one who was married.

She tested his
resolve about Shannon as she held his eyes and took her time stripping down
before she sauntered around the screen and got into the tub.

Sky Purington is the bestselling
author of over twenty-five novels and several novellas. A New Englander born
and bred, Sky was raised hearing stories of folklore, myth and legend. When
combined with a love for nature, romance and time-travel, elements from the
stories of her youth found release in her books.

Purington loves to hear from
readers and can be contacted at Sky@SkyPurington.com. Interested in keeping up
with Sky’s latest news and releases? Visit Sky's website,
http://www.skypurington.com to download her free App on iTunes and Android or
sign up for her quarterly newsletter. Love social networking? Find Sky on
Facebook and Twitter.

LOVE IS A RISKY VENTURE IN AMELIA JUDD’S AWARD-WINNING NEW ROMANCE“Hello, Pax. It’s good to see you again.”And with those frigid words, karma kicked his ass and blew his dreams into a million tiny fragments.
Paxton Bennett walked away from a privileged upbringing to devote his life to La Vida de Ensueño, the socially responsible luxury resort he manages in Costa Rica. No way will Pax let a hotel chain swallow up La Vida and turn it into another lifeless clone. All he needs is a loan so he can match a buy-out offer. Unfortunately, every damn bank keeps saying no. He has one last hope–an on-site visit from a loan officer that he’s sure he can impress…
Banker Sage Somerset doesn’t want to see Pax Bennett across a busy coffee shop, let alone spend a week at a tropical resort with him. After their cringe-worthy last encounter, just hearing his name makes her blush or curse. Plus, there are snakes in Costa Rica. A lot of snakes! Determined to remain professional on her unwelcome assignment, Sage hopes she can survive a week in Pax’s world…
But a quirky staff, meddlesome family, and the night-time visit of a tiny green gecko soon threaten to turn business into pleasure. Will Pax and Sage fight their troublesome chemistry? Or will they take a chance on the biggest venture of all–each other?

Award-winning author Amelia Judd writes fun and flirty contemporary romance. She loves to entertain her readers with memorable characters and fast-paced plots that blend humor, heart, and heat.
After receiving a degree in international affairs, Amelia lived and studied in Belgium for over three years. During her time in Europe, she traveled extensively, earned a master’s degree, and fell in love with writing contemporary romance.
Amelia now lives in the Midwest with her sports-loving husband, two active kids, and a lovable dog that insists on staying by her side day and night. When she isn’t writing, she’s spending time with family, hanging out with friends, chauffeuring her kiddos around town, or planning her family’s next getaway.

Tumble into second-chance love, where magics collide, mountain gods are out for blood, and aliens invade Earth.

Hello Darkness

Alphas in the Wild

Book One

Earth magics collide, forcing Moira Shaughnessy to take a chance on a man who hurt her so badly she never forgave him.

A ranger for the U.S. Park Service, Moira is in serious trouble. Fleeing from Ryan, her cheating husband, who’s also a Native American shaman, she stumbles into the arms of a man she never thought she’d see again. He hurt her once by choosing his magic over her. Would she be a fool to take a chance on him now?

Tim hasn’t seen Moira in ten years. When her name shows up on his patient roster in the rural clinic where he’s a doctor, he can’t believe his luck. Deeply held secrets forced him from her side, but he’s never forgotten her. Never stopped loving her. This time, he’s determined to make different choices, even if it costs him his birthright as the next Arch Druid.

Pursuing very different motives, Tim and Ryan follow Moira deep into the backcountry, catching her in a crossfire between Celtic and Native American magic. A freak blizzard compounds her problems, taxing her survival skills to the max. Against the specter of almost-certain death, Moira has some hard choices to make.

Tina made a pact with the devil seven years ago. It’s time to pay the piper—or die.

Independent to the nth degree, Tina meets everything in her life head-on—except love. When an almost-forgotten pact with the devil returns to haunt her, Tina throws a trip to the Andes together to face her nemesis. Better to die on her feet than wait for him to make good on his threats.

Craig never understood why Tina walked out of his life years before. He’s never loved anyone like he loved her. His mountain guide service takes up all his time, but he’s never forgotten her. When his back’s been up against the wall, he’s invited her to fill in as expedition doctor, but beyond that, he’s kept his distance. Having his heart stomped on once was quite enough.

Caught between misgivings and need, Tina signs on as team doctor for one of Craig’s climbing trips to the Andes. Though he was the love of her life, she pushed him away years before to keep him safe. Even if he doesn’t love her anymore, there’s still no one she’d rather have by her side in the mountains. And if she’s going to die, she wants to make things right between them.

Sara’s day begins like any other. A routine extraction in tandem with a local Search and Rescue team. Routine crashes to a halt when she ends up trapped in a hut, high atop Muir Pass in the Sierras. Four days later, running out of food for herself and her dog, she makes a bold dash for safety.

Jared’s walking the Muir Trail when all hell breaks loose. After hunkering beneath a boulder pile for days, he dares a difficult cross-country route, hoping it’ll put him into position to approach a backcountry ranger station. Surely one of the rangers will know what happened, because he sure as hell doesn’t. Jared locates the cabin, but it’s locked tight. He’s getting ready to leave the next morning when a helicopter lands, with Sara at the helm. There’s no time to trade war stories. It takes a leap of faith, but they throw in their lot together. Can they face the impossible and come out the other side unscathed?

Dark, Daunting, Unforgettable. Survival adds a demanding edge to love in the wilds.

Book Description:

Cara, a mountain guide with a hard luck past and John, a doctor running as hard as he can from his own demons, become unlikely allies. Fire raging through the Sierras forces them away from their planned route and makes escape a dicey proposition.

Cara struggles to outwit the inferno before it’s too late. John’s long-denied psychic side escapes its bonds, refusing to be ignored any longer. He recognizes the fire for what it is: magical creatures bearing the worst news of all. Fire dragons want Earth for themselves, and they’ll stop at nothing to make it theirs. Protecting Cara from the destiny that’s finally hunted him down turns into John’s top priority, but spirit guides shanghai him, forcing his hand.

He never wanted a woman in his life. Too many complications—but something about Cara touches his heart.

She was burned out on men and vowed she’d spend the rest of her life in the mountains, guiding clients—but something about John sings to her soul.

If they can survive the dragons that set the earth ablaze, a different kind of heat just might bind them to each other.

Ann Gimpel is a USA Today bestselling author. A lifelong aficionado of the unusual, she began writing speculative fiction a few years ago. Since then her short fiction has appeared in a number of webzines and anthologies. Her longer books run the gamut from urban fantasy to paranormal romance. Once upon a time, she nurtured clients. Now she nurtures dark, gritty fantasy stories that push hard against reality. When she’s not writing, she’s in the backcountry getting down and dirty with her camera. She’s published over 45 books to date, with several more planned for 2017 and beyond. A husband, grown children, grandchildren, and wolf hybrids round out her family.

Once Princess Oria
spun wicked daydreams from the legends of sorceresses kidnapped by the
barbarian Destrye. Now, though she’s come willingly, she finds herself in a
mirror of the old tales: the king’s foreign trophy of war, starved of magic,
surrounded by snowy forest and hostile strangers. But this place has secrets,
too—and Oria must learn them quickly if she is to survive.

A Treacherous Court

Instead of the refuge
he sought, King Lonen finds his homeland desperate and angry, simmering with
distrust of his wife. With open challenge to his rule, he knows he and Oria—the
warrior wounded and weak, the sorceress wrung dry of power—must somehow make a
display of might. And despite the desire that threatens to undo them both, he
still cannot so much as brush her skin.

A Fight for the Future

With war looming and
nowhere left to run, Lonen and Oria must use every intrigue and instinct they
can devise: to plumb Dru’s mysteries, to protect their people—and to hold fast
to each other. Because they know better than any what terrifying trial awaits…

“We won the war
and this is still the best the king’s table can command?”

Nolan poked at the
meat with a sour scowl, and Arnon clapped him on the shoulder. “Not much of a
homecoming, huh? You could have brought us game from the far forests and done
better.”

“I brought the
King of the Destrye instead.” Nolan shrugged him off. “That seemed more useful
at the time.”

Lonen, that
selfsame King of the Destrye, didn’t adjust his position to ease his aching
side, lest his brother misinterpret that as a sign of discomfort with the topic
of conversation. Nor did he miss the sidelong glance from Nolan that suggested
he might be reconsidering Lonen’s inherent usefulness. Not that Lonen could
argue much otherwise. Being laid up in bed recuperating for more than a week
didn’t lend itself to high-profile—or even marginally effective—rule.
Nevertheless, some remnant of his youthful self cringed, wishing he could do
something to earn his older brother’s approval rather than his scorn.

Mostly, though, he
longed to be back in that bed, under the furs with Oria, sharing her warmth,
basking in the surety that she slept beside him. To be there when the strange
dreams woke her.

Oria hadn’t wanted
him to be up and about yet, but Nolan—believed lost in battle, now miraculously
returned and restless with unsatisfied expectations—had decided he’d waited
long enough for explanations. Rather than risk having Nolan barge into his
bedchamber and interrogate Oria, Lonen had conceded to the lesser of the evils
and gotten himself to this private dinner with his two remaining brothers. The
last three of Archimago’s line, sadly diminished in robustness of every kind.

But three was one
more than they’d thought they had.

That had to be a
good thing. A blessing from Arill herself. Somehow, though, under the sharp
scrutiny of Nolan’s piercing blue stare, Lonen nursed a few doubts.

He gave in and
shifted, easing the pinch in his gut. The infection no longer poisoned him, but
the massive tissue damage had yet to replace itself—however much ever
would—despite Oria’s foolhardy attempt to give her life to heal him. That side
of his body sagged inward, as if part of him had been carved out.

Which, come to
think of it, it pretty much had.

With a grimace for
that, he forced himself to finish the slice of stringy roast on his plate, then
picked up his warmed wine and drank, hoping to mute some of the ache.

“It’s not good for
you to be upright in a chair like this,” Arnon said, frowning at him. “I can
see it pains you.”

“Father would say
a warrior can suffer far more than a bit of pain, especially in the service of
Dru,” Nolan replied, gaze never wavering from Lonen. “He would have expected
his successor to be sitting the throne and handling the pressing issues of the
Destrye, not lying abed with a foreign mistress.”

“You mean Her
Highness, Oria, Queen of the Destrye?” Lonen didn’t raise his voice, but his
tone carried all the iron resolve of his battle-axe. Enough that Nolan sat back
slightly, a hint of surprise flickering through his eyes before they sharpened
again. That’s right. I am not the same
little brother you knew before the war. He might not be ruling
impressively, but neither was he a pushover. Not anymore.

“She is Báran,”
Nolan said flatly, tempting Lonen to remark on his brother’s powers of
observation. But this was no time for levity. This conversation had been a long
time coming and Nolan clearly intended to have it out now. So be it—and Arill
hold him in her hand for this battle.

“I’m fully aware
of that, Nolan, as I met her in Bára, where she is in fact, a princess and
should be queen of her people by her own right.”

“What exactly
happened there?” Arnon put in, full of curiosity. “What?” He gave Nolan’s frown
a scowl of his own. “You’re not the only one who’s been sitting on questions
while Lonen concentrated on not dying,”
he added pointedly. “You’ve dragged him out of bed for this, so we might as
well get the whole story.”

About Jeffe Kennedy

Jeffe
Kennedy is an award-winning author whose works include novels, non-fiction,
poetry, and short fiction. She has been a Ucross Foundation Fellow, received
the Wyoming Arts Council Fellowship for Poetry, and was awarded a Frank Nelson
Doubleday Memorial Award.